In the lead-up to a highly-anticipated debate between Florida Governor Ron DeSantis and California Governor Gavin Newsom, Florida Attorney General Ashley Moody will host a press conference earlier in the afternoon. The conference aims to provide a platform for California “refugees” who have relocated to Florida, shedding light on the reasons behind their decision to leave the Golden State.
Among the featured speakers is Jay Berman, a Vietnam veteran who called Southern California home for four decades before moving to Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Berman cites high crime rates and vagrancy as the driving factors behind his decision to relocate. Thanks to Florida’s low cost of living, he now enjoys a semi-retired lifestyle without concerns about finding new clients.
Another speaker, Julie Gebhards, chose to homeschool her children in Lithia, Florida, after becoming disillusioned with California’s education curriculum. She specifically highlights the presence of “pornographic material” in schools as a major concern. Steve Grossi, a former New York police officer, moved to California with hopes of starting fresh but was confronted with homelessness and worries about his children’s safety. He ultimately returned to Tallahassee, Florida.
The press conference will also feature Noah and Kelsey Howard, a couple who relocated to Milton, Florida, due to DeSantis’ law enforcement recruitment program. They left California due to the state’s high cost of living, particularly after welcoming a newborn. Ross and Jean Coulombe, another couple, moved to Bagdad, Florida, after Ross’ business was shut down during the COVID-19 pandemic and the strict measures implemented by Newsom.
The upcoming debate between DeSantis and Newsom holds significant weight, as DeSantis is running for the 2024 GOP presidential nomination. Critics of Newsom allege that he is running a shadow campaign for the White House, although he dismisses such claims as “ridiculous.” The debate will be moderated by primetime opinion host Sean Hannity.
In conclusion, the press conference organized by Attorney General Ashley Moody provides a platform for individuals who have left California for Florida to share their experiences and reasons behind their decision. As the debate between DeSantis and Newsom approaches, the political implications of their clash are being closely watched by those interested in the 2024 campaign trail.
